Man pleads not guilty to murdering grandfather in Donegal Gaeltacht

A 39-year-old man from Carrickcoyle, Derrybeg in County Donegal has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his grandfather, Derek Burns, aged 78, who died on 19 December 2023 following an assault at the family home. The accused also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to four additional charges arising from 17 December 2023, including criminal damage, making threats, and two counts of assault. At the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution outlined that the accused endured childhood sexual abuse and subsequent mental health difficulties from his teenage years, alongside the death of his father when he was 16. Evidence will establish that in the weeks preceding the incident, the accused's mental state deteriorated significantly. Both State and defence consultant psychiatrists have concluded the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the alleged offences. The trial before Justice Eileen Creedon and jury continues.